Chattanooga Faith Community Nurses

The Green Thing

2011-12-27T14:53:00.003-05:00

In the line at the store, the cashier told an older woman that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren't good forthe environment. The woman apologized to him and explained, "We didn't have the green thing back in my day."

The clerk responded, "That's our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment." He was right -- our generation didn't have the green thing in its day.

Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled. But we didn't have the green thing back in our day.

We walked up stairs, because we didn't have an escalator in every store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks. But she was right. We didn't have the green thing in our day.

Back then, we washed the baby's diapers because we didn't have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts -- wind and solar power really did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing. But that old lady is right; we didn't have the green thing back in our day.

Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in everyroom. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the state of Montana. In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn't have electric machines to do everything for us. When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used a wadded up old newspaper to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap. Back then, we didn't fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working so we didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity. But she's right; we didn't have the green thing back then.

We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull. But we didn't have the green thing back then.

Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service.We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn't need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint. But isn't it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn't have the green thing back then?

Please share this with another selfish old person who needs a lesson in conservation from a smart young person.

The Green Thing

Depression - A Whole-Person Experience

2011-12-14T09:27:00.002-05:00

Depression is a "whole-body" illness that can present at any time and in any plase. The wind-down after the holidays can trigger feelings of hopeless, helplessness, loneliness . . . .

Make plans to attend the January 12, 2012 Chattanooga Faith Community Nurses Network Meeting to learn some tools to help identify faith community members who might be experiencing the "after the holiday blues" and quide them to the help they may need.

Remember, after the holidays can be a very difficult time. Make plans to attend the next Network Meeting on Thursday, January 12, 2012.

In the event of winter weather we will follow the Hamilton County Schools advice - if the schools are closed due to weather, there will be no Network Meeting.

Can I Have a Moment?

2011-11-30T10:03:00.001-05:00

Lord, can I have a moment with you? I'm glad your calendar is not booked. I'm glad your email inbox isn't full that I can't leave you a message. I'm glad I don't have to leave a voice mail and hope you return my call. I'm glad you're not in a meeting. I'm glad you're not on vacation. I'm so glad you are never too busy for a moment with me. Thank you.

Many thanks for Donna Suggs-Burks for sharing this reminder with us.

November FCN/PN Network Meeting

2011-11-01T10:41:00.012-04:00

Faith Community Nurses Network Meeting
Thursday, November 10, 2011
5:30pm—7:00pm
Mary Ellen Locher Conference Room, Memorial Hospital

Our program for the evening will be a two-fold program:

Heather Garret will bring information about the Vascular Screening Program offered through Memorial Hospital. The screening is an Ultrasound exam of carotid artery and abdominal aorta as well as a measurement of the circulation in the legs in an attempt to prevent arterial disease, stroke and aneurysm. Eligibility for screening: age 50+ with at least one of the following risk factors: a) family history of heart disease, vascular disease, or stroke; b) high cholesterol (or taking medication for high cholesterol); c) high blood pressure (or taking medication for high blood pressure); d) diabetes; and/or e) current or previous smoker.

Towne Meeting — let’s talk!!

**what's working and what isn't working in Health Ministry in our faith communities

**topics for future Network Meetings

**possible FCN/PN Retreat

**upcoming FCN/PN class scheduled to begin Fenruary 15, 2012

**7th annual Faith Community Nurses Day

Prayer Requests

2011-10-25T09:23:00.002-04:00

Our prayer request list keeps changing and the needs are many. Let us remember those who are struggling financially, are in danger of losing their jobs, are having difficulty feeding their family in these difficult economic times.

Also remember those who are sick in body, mind, or spirit who have asked us to remember them.

Help people to remember that their Creator is loving and walks beside them offering encouragement, in front of them when they need a leader, and behind them when they need some direction. They do not have to be alone -- to have company on the journey is their choice. Let our prayers for them be a reminder to them that they are loved . . . . .

October FCN Network Meeting

2011-10-03T11:24:00.005-04:00

Disaster Preparedness

How Prepared are YOU if disaster strikes?

Come to the October FCN Network Meeting to learn what you can do for yourself, your family, friends, faith community members, and even your pets in the event of a disaster.

Thursday, October 13, 2011 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Mary Ellen Locher Conference Room

Memorial Hospital Glenwood (downtown)

Light snacks

Valuable resource to be distributed at the meeting

Attendance certificate emailed to those who attend

Service of Healing

2011-09-30T15:37:00.002-04:00

14th ANNUAL SERVICE OF HEALING

Acknowledging and Honoring Victims of Family and Community Violence

Sunday, October 23, 2011
3:00 – 4:00 PM

Olivet Baptist Church
740 East M.L. King Boulevard
Chattanooga, TN 37403

Sponsored by the Ministry Task Force of The Coalition Against Domestic & Community Violence of Greater Chattanooga, Inc.

Camp Out to Stamp Out Family Homelessness

2011-09-30T15:34:00.000-04:00

Saturday, October 8 from 5 p.m. until Sunday, October 9 at 7 a.m.Mark your calendars. To raise money and awareness, the Interfaith Homeless Network (IHN) is hosting its third annual “Camp Out to Stamp Out Family Homelessness” on Saturday, October 8 at the First Tennessee Pavilion.

Join youth groups, families, volunteers and other campers to learn about family homelessness. Participants experience what it’s like to be homeless by building their own cardboard box living space in Box City at the First Tennessee Pavilion (or just bringing their own camping equipment), spending the night outdoors in an “urban campground” setting, and eating at a soup kitchen.

The “Camp Out” also features entertainment like a scavenger hunt, games, music and crafts. Volunteers will be on hand to serve up soup, sandwiches, coffee, hot chocolate, sodas, popcorn and fruit during your evening camp out in Box City. In the morning you’ll eat a light breakfast and carry your box home to be recycled. Police security will be present during the entire event.Some youth groups raise funds for this event through car washes, bake sales, flea markets, chili or pancake suppers. All participating children and youth groups must be supervised by an adult.

Ticket costs are as follows Overnight Camping (5 p.m. to 7 a.m.):Individual campers - $25 per camper Families or groups of 5 or more - $25 per camper up to 4, $10 for each camper above that Children under 10 – No chargeEvening Events Only (7 p.m. to 11 p.m.):Individuals - $10 per person Families (3 or more related persons) - $25 per family

Campers can register and pay online at www.ihnchattanooga.org or they can print a form and mail in their registration. All Camp Out proceeds benefit IHN programs to assist homeless families become stable, employed and housed.

IHN hopes this event will bring the Chattanooga community together (businesses, families, groups and individuals) to raise awareness about the plight of homeless families and to raise funds that will help these families successfully transition into stability, employment, housing and self-sufficiency. The Camp Out is sponsored by The UPS Store, Erlanger Hospital, First Christian Church, The Chattanooga Times Free Press, WDEF TV 12, News Talk Radio 95.3 FM, and J103 FM.

For more information, please visit IHN online at www.ihnchattanooga.org or call at 423-756-3891.

21st FCN Class Rescheduled

2011-09-30T15:11:00.008-04:00

Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga, TN is pleased to announce the rescheduled dates for the 21st Faith Community Nurses class.

Classes will be held as follows:
From 8:30am - 4:30pm on Wednesday February 15 , 22 & 29, 2012.
AND
From 4:30pm - 7:30pm on Thursday March 15 & 29 and April 12, 2012.

All 6 sessions (for a total of 33 hours) must be completed to fulfill course and contact hour credit requirements.

Commissioning/Graduation will be held at 7:00pm on Tuesday April 17, 2012.

All sessions will be held at the downtown campus of Memorial Hospital.

For additional information including the application process and tuition, please contact the Faith Community Nurse Coordinator at 423.495.6163.

For general information about Faith Community Nursing in the Chattanooga area please visit the Chattanooga Area FCN/PN Network website at http://parishnurseministry.net/

August FCN Class Postponed

2011-06-26T11:45:00.002-04:00

The 21st FCN Class scheduled to begin in August has been postponed until after the first of the year. Check http://parishnurseministry.net/preparation.htm for updates as new dates are announced.

Disaster Preparedness

2011-05-18T08:56:00.002-04:00

Out of the rubble . . . . . Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee recently experienced severe weather outbreaks resulting in the loss of life and property as well as significant damage to homes, schools, and businesses. Listed below are links to help prepare BEFORE an emergency occurs.

Emergency Planning Guide

Ready.gov

Faith community disaster/emergency guide

Preparing for a weather emergency

Tornado Safety Checklist - Red Cross

Are you ready? - FEMA

21st Faith Community Nurses Classes - Updated

2011-04-14T15:54:00.004-04:00

Memorial Hospital is pleased to annouce the dates for the 21st Faith Community/Parish Nurse Class set to begin in August:

Wednesday August 17, 24, and 31, 2011 from 8:30am - 4:30pm

Tuesday September 6 & 27 and October 18, 2011 from 4:30pm - 7:30PM

All 6 sessions must be completed to meet course and contact hour credit requirements.

Application and tuition deposit due by Monday August 8, 2011.

Visit the Chattanooga Area Faith Community/Parish Nurses Network website at http://parishnurseministry.net/preparation.htm for additional information including the downloadable application form or contact the FCN Coordinator at connie_blake@memorial.org or 423.495.6163

6th Annual Faith Community Nurses Day

2011-04-11T14:34:00.003-04:00

Celebrating our 6th Annual Faith Community Nurses Day

"Nurses Trusted to Care"

Pot Luck Supper

Thursday, May 12, 2011 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm

St. Luke United Methodist Church

3210 Social Circle, Chattanooga, TN

Please RSVP Connie at blakecr@bellsouth.net or by calling (423) 495-6163 by Friday, May 6, 2011.

Include in your RSVP the dish you will bring.

Older Adults Resource Guide

2011-04-05T17:50:00.002-04:00

The South East Tennessee Area Agency on Aging & Disibilites has updated their resource guide. The 2010 Older Adults Resource Guide is available at http://www.setaaad.org/downloads/2010ResourceGuide.pdf ** You can review the index beginning on page 96 for an overview of the contents of this valuable resource. You can download and save a copy of this guide to your computer -- it is 100 pages of great information.

21st Faith Community Nurse Class Dates

2011-02-28T09:03:00.004-05:00

Memorial Hospital is pleased to annouce the dates for the 21st Faith Community/Parish Nurse Class set to begin in August:

Wednesday August 17, 24, and 31, 2011 from 8:30am - 4:30pm

Tuesday September 6 & 27 and October 18, 2011 from 4:30pm - 7:30PM

All 6 sessions must be completed to meet course and contact hour credit requirements.

Application and tuition deposit due by Monday August 8, 2011.

MARCH IS COLON CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

2011-02-28T08:58:00.005-05:00

Did you know that colon cancer is Preventable, Treatable, and Beatable yet remains one of leading causes of cancer related deaths?

Friday March 4th, 2011 is national Dress in Blue Day. Help bring awareness to this preventable disease by dressing in blue on March 4th.

Additional informatin about colon cancer may be found at:
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/ColonandRectumCancer/index

Get Your Rear In Gear Walk on 03/12/11 This is a very important health event to promote awareness of colo-rectal cancers. Register at http://www.getyourrearingear.com/ by 03/09/11. Registration fee: $30.00. Event sponsored locally by Digestive Health Associates (423) 698-8101.

March FCN/PN Network Meeting

2011-02-24T09:13:00.002-05:00

March 10, 2011 - FCN/PN Network Meeting from 5:30pm - 7:15PM
Mary Ellen Locher Conference Room - Memorial Hospital

Metropolitan Ministries - Rebecca Whelchel, Executive Director presenter;
Strategies for Dealing with Difficult Situations in the Health Ministry Environment - Ron White, MS, RN,, FCN presenter.

FCN Network Meeting Cancelled

2011-02-10T13:53:00.001-05:00

The FCN/PN Network Meeting scheduled for this evening has been postponed until March 10, 2011.

February FCN/PN Network Meeting

2011-02-04T13:07:00.006-05:00

FCN/PN Network Meeting
Thursday, February 10, 2011
From 5:30 - 7:00
Mary Ellen Locher Conference Room
Presenter: Ron White, MS, RN, FCN
Topic: Strategies for Relieving Stress in the Health Ministry Environment

Ron has a wealth of counseling as well as nursing experience to share with us. As we encounter difficult/stressful situations in our Faith Community/Parish Nurse Ministry, do we have the tools to handle these situation?

Make plans to attend this meeting! We will follow the Hamilton County Schools weather policy in the event of weather that makes travel difficult/dangerous.

Cleaning for a Reason

2011-01-30T09:47:00.001-05:00

If you know any woman currently undergoing chemotherapy, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning - once per month for 4 months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service. This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women. It's our job to pass the word and let them know that there are people out there that care. Be a blessing to someone and pass this information along. Visit the website for additional information. http://www.cleaningforareason.org/

New Faith Community Nurses Scope and Standards of Practice

2011-01-14T16:32:00.001-05:00

HMA and ANA have released, for public viewing, a DRAFT version of the 2010 Faith Community Nurses Scope and Standards of Practice. The DRAFT document can be reviewed at http://www.hmassoc.org/assets/SiteEngineManager/final%20draft%20faith%20community%20nursing%20scope%20and%20%20standards.pdf

January FCN Newsletter

2011-01-07T12:14:00.000-05:00

The January Newsletter is now available at http://parishnurseministry.net/news.htm

While the SE Tennessee area generally doesn't get the bitter cold weather other parts of the country get, being prepared for the cold weather is important. A winter weather guide from the CDC can be found at http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/pdf/cold_guide.pdf

The next FCN/PN Network meeting will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2011. Details available soon.

20th Faith Community Nurses Class Dates

2011-01-06T10:16:00.001-05:00

Memorial Hospital is pleased to annouce the dates for the 20th Faith Community/Parish Nurse Class set to begin in February:

February 2, 9, and 16, 2011 from 8:30am - 4:30pm
March 1, 15,and 29, 2011 from 4:30pm - 7:30pm
All 6 sessions must be completed to meet course and contact hour credit requirements.

Application and tuition deposit due by January 20th.

Visit the Chattanooga Area Faith Community/Parish Nurses Network website at http://parishnurseministry.net for additional information including the downloadable application form or contact the FCN Coordinator at connie_blake@memorial.org or 423.495.6163